Graphical Constructions of Wavefronts and Waist Parameters in Gaussian Beam Optics

TL;DR

This paper introduces graphical methods for determining key parameters of Gaussian beams, such as waist position and Rayleigh range, using diagrams based on wavefronts and lens imaging.

Contribution

It provides novel graphical tools for analyzing Gaussian beam parameters from wavefront data and lens imaging, simplifying calculations in beam optics.

Findings

Diagrams enable determination of waist and Rayleigh range from wavefronts.

Method for finding waist position and Rayleigh range of lens-formed Gaussian beams.

Simplifies analysis of Gaussian beams using graphical techniques.

Abstract

We provide several diagrams for the graphical determination of certain elements of a Gaussian beam based on prior knowledge of other elements. For example, these diagrams allow us to determine the plane of the beam waist and the Rayleigh range from knowledge of two wavefronts constituting the beam, or to determine the size of the light spot on a given wavefront. We also present a simple method for determining the waist position and the Rayleigh range of the image of a Gaussian beam formed by a lens.